Case assemblies and locators

ABSTRACT

Provided are case assemblies and locators and apparatuses for the protection and ready location of handheld electronic devices and other objects. The apparatus includes a case assembly and a locator. The case assembly includes a case for housing a handheld electronic device, a mounting device for moving the handheld electronic device between different positions with respect to the case, and a connector for engaging the case with the locator. The locator is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse, backpack, briefcase or bag. The locator includes a means for selectively engaging the connector of the case assembly and/or other objects.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/759,979, filed Feb. 5, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/073,789, filed on Mar. 28, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/468,012, filed on May 18, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,002, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/977,891, filed on Oct. 26, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,032, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/919,494, filed on Aug. 17, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,922, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to case assemblies and locators. More particularly, this disclosure pertains to case assemblies and locators that are especially adapted to facilitate the protection of handheld electronic devices and the ready location of keys, handheld electronic devices and other objects in a purse, backpack, briefcase or like bag.

BACKGROUND

A common and popular type of purse or like bag has a top that includes at least a region that is upwardly open in use. Often this type of bag is rather deep, permitting the owner-user to store a variety of items. Further, such depth is generally considered fashionable. A known drawback of the above-described purse or like bag configuration resides in the difficulty of readily retrieving keys, or a group thereof gathered on a key chain, from its interior. This can lead to the frustration of the owner-user and to others. For example, the difficulty of locating car keys at the bottom of a purse can cause significant delay in vacating a parking space. Thus, what are needed in the art are improved apparatuses for holding and storing keys and similar items when transporting them in purses or other bags.

Moreover, handheld electronic devices are becoming more and more popular as consumer goods and are frequently used in performing our daily communication needs. Devices including cell phones, mobile video players and eReaders such as iPhone™, Blackberry™, iPad™, iPod™, KINDLE™, and Android™ devices are now intimate parts of daily life. This popularity has created a desire for protective cases and apparatuses that facilitate ready location of the devices stored in the protective cases, when transporting them in purses or other bags.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the preceding and other shortcomings of the prior art by providing a key locator, a case assembly, and an apparatus that includes a case assembly engaged with a key locator.

The key locator includes a first member having opposed end portions. The first member incorporates a bent interior region intermediate the end portions. A second member includes a clasp for selectively retaining at least one key. The first and second members are engaged to one another.

The case assembly includes a case, a mounting device and a connector. The case is configured for housing a handheld electronic device and includes a first side and a second side that are rotatably coupled to each other. The mounting device is fixed on the case and includes a mounting plate that is configured to permanently or semi-permanently retain a handheld electronic device and to move the handheld electronic device between different positions with respect to the case. The connector is disposed on the case for attaching the case assembly to the key locator.

The apparatus for protecting and readily locating a handheld electronic device includes a case assembly and a locator. The case assembly is configured for housing a handheld electronic device and includes a connector. The locator is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse, backpack, briefcase or like bag. The locator includes a clasp for selectively engaging the connector of the case assembly and/or other objects.

The preceding and other features of the invention will become further apparent from the detailed description that follows. Such description is accompanied by a set of drawing figures. Numerals of the drawing figures correspond to numerals of the written description with like numerals referring to like features throughout both the written description and the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a front elevation view of a key locator in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure and a partial planar view of the ornament mounting pad thereof respectively, and FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of the key locator with the decorative element shown attached.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the key locator of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C in use.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the key locator in use taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front perspective view of a key locator in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure in which a container is attached to the key finder.

FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of the key locator depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B showing the key locator hanging from an edge of a bag-like purse with the container, where the container comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the container, and where the first face is configured to be in a closed configuration that seals an interior portion of the container.

FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of the key locator depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B showing the key locator hanging from an edge of a bag-like purse with the container, where the container comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the container, and where the first face is configured to be in an open configuration that exposes an interior portion of the container.

FIG. 7 illustrates more details of a second member of a key locator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an apparatus including a case assembly attached to a key locator in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, where the case assembly is in a closed state.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an apparatus including a case assembly attached to a key locator in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, where the case assembly is in an open state.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the case assembly in an open state with a mounting plate at one position.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the case assembly in an open state with the mounting plate at a different position.

FIG. 9C is a front view of the case assembly in a closed state.

FIG. 9D is a back view of the case assembly in a closed state.

FIG. 9E is a right side elevated perspective view of the case assembly in a closed state.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a case assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, where the case assembly is in an open state and a mounting plate is disassembled to show other components of a mounting device.

FIG. 11B is a back side perspective view of a mounting plate used in a case assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an apparatus, where a case assembly is in an open state and attached to a locator in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12B a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus, where a case assembly is in a closed state and attached to a locator in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Embodiment

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of the key locator 10 of the invention. The key locator 10 comprises interlocking first and second members 12 and 14 respectively. In some embodiments the first member 12 and the second members 14 are each independently made of steel, or other metal, a plastic, or other rigid elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 each independently comprise gold, silver, steel, nickel, aluminum, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 are each made of metal. In some embodiments, the first member 12 and/or the second member 14 comprises urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer, polybenzamidazole, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide, glass-based phenolic, polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polytetrafluoro-ethylene, polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized vinyl, or polypropylene. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the bent-rod shaped first member 12 is electroplated.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the second member 14 includes a clasp 16 that, in some embodiments, is rotatably engaged to an inverted u-shaped element 18. It will be appreciated that clasp 16 is an exemplary way to retain keys. For example, in some alternative embodiments, rather than a clasp 16, a key ring is used in the place of clasp 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the u-shaped element 18 is arranged to engage a hook 20 at a first end portion of the first member 12 in order to provide flexible engagement of the members 12 and 14. One of skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous other methods by which members 12 and 14 can be flexibly engaged. For example, there can be a ring (not shown in FIG. 1) at the first end portion of the first member 12 that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. In another example, there can be a set of interlocking rings where a first ring in the set of interlocking rings engages hook 20 whereas a second ring in the set of interlocking rings engages u-shaped element 18. The first and second ring may interlock or there may be any number of interlocking rings between the first and second ring. In still another example, there can be a closed form element (not shown) that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. The closed form element may indeed be the shape of a ring or some other symmetrical shape such as an oval but the disclosure is not so limited. Any closed form shape, such as a polygon, star-shape, or the like can be used to interlock hook 20 to u-shaped element 18. In still another example, there can be a set of interlocking closed form elements where a first closed form element in the set of interlocking closed form elements engages hook 20 whereas a second closed form element in the set of interlocking closed form elements engages u-shaped element 18. The first and second closed form elements may interlock or there may be any number of interlocking closed form elements between the first and second closed form element. In some embodiments, a chain is used to interlock u-shaped element 18 to hook 20.

It will be appreciated that hook 20 is just one example of a way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, hook 20 can be completely closed off so that it is, in of itself, in fact a closed form shape such as a ring or oval. Similarly, it will be appreciated that u-shaped element 18 is just one example of a way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, rather than having a u-shaped element 18, a pivoting element can be used to flexibly engage members 12 and 14.

In one aspect, referring to FIG. 1C, a first end portion 12 a of the first member 12 comprises a hook 20 for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or ring (not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18 is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20. In another such embodiment (not illustrated), the closed form clasp 16 or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. This closed form member could be, for example, a ring, an oval, a start shape, or any other closed form shape. In another such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is a ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20. In still another such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In yet another such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with first interlocking closed form elements in a plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where an interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some such embodiments, a closed form element in the plurality of closed form elements is a ring, an oval, a polygon, or a star-shape.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the first end portion 12 a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises a hook 20 for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member of the key locator 10 further comprises a first ring 702 that is hooked onto the hook 20. The second member of the key locator 10 further comprises a member 704 having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is rotatable with respect to the second portion. The first portion comprises a first eyelet through which the first ring 702 is attached. The second portion comprises a second eyelet. The second member 14 of the key locator 10 further comprises a second ring 706 that is attached to the second eyelet.

Similar to FIG. 7, although not depicted, in some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises a first ring for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14 of the key locator 10 further comprises a second ring that is hooked onto the first ring. The second member 14 of the key locator 10 further comprises a member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is rotatable with respect to the second portion. The first portion comprises a first eyelet through which the second ring is attached. The second portion comprises a second eyelet. The second member 14 of the key locator 10 further comprises a third ring, where the third ring is attached to the second eyelet.

In another aspect, a first end portion 12 a of the first member 12 comprises a first ring (not shown) for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or second ring (not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18 is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a first interlocking closed form element in a plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where a second interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the first member 12 includes a bent interior region 22. In some embodiments, a second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 comprises an enlarged region 24 that serves as an ornament mounting pad for affixation of a decorative ornament 26. In some embodiments, there is no enlarged region 24 and the decorative ornament 26 is affixed directly onto the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1C, 2 and 3, the first member 12 has a first end portion 12 a and a second end portion 12 b. The first end portion 12 a of the first member 12 is configured for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 is configured for affixation of an ornament 26 so that, when affixed to the key locator 10, the entire ornament is 26 substantially rigidly affixed to the key locator 10 such that any movement of the ornament 26 necessarily causes movement of the key locator 10. The first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are not urged against each other and are configured to allow the bent interior region 22 to hang or clasp an edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from an edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 500 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 250 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 100 dynes and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when said bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member are configured so that a force of between 100 dynes and 500 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 100 dynes and 250 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.

In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes, between 1 dyne and 1000 dynes, between 1 dyne and 500 dynes, between 1 dyne and 250 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 1000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 500 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 250 dynes, between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 100 dynes and 1000 dynes, between 100 dynes and 500 dynes, between 100 dynes and 250 dynes, between 500 dynes and 5000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 10000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 20000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 25000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 200 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 100 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 50 dynes, or between 0.1 dynes and 25 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.

The ornament 26, comprising a flower-like shape as shown in the drawings but not limited thereto, is arranged to face away from the interior of the first member 12 with its back portion 28 preferably fixed to the enlarged region 24 of the member by solder or the like. In some embodiments that do not have an enlarged region 24, the back portion 28 is affixed directly onto the end portion of the first member. As used herein, an ornament is a solid object as opposed to a chain or a rope. In some embodiments, the ornament comprises an artificial or a real gem.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the key locator 10 of the invention in use. In FIG. 2, the key locator 10 is hung from the upper edge 29 of a side panel 30 of a bag-like purse 32 with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the side panel 30 so that the face of the ornament 26 is exposed. In other embodiments (not shown), the key locator 10 clasps the upper edge 29 of a side panel 30 of a bag-like purse 32 with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the side panel 30 so that the face of the ornament 26 is exposed. The foregoing provides the user with an attractive adjunct to the bag-like purse 32 that serves the additional function of readily locating the key locator 10.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the key locator 10 of the disclosure in use taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2. Keys or other objects 34, secured by the clasp 16 of the second member 14, are seen to lie near or at the bottom 36 of the bag-like purse 32, somewhat suspended from the upper edge 29 of the side panel 30. The bent interior region 22 of the first member 12 of the key locator 10, as mentioned with reference to the preceding figure, is draped, hung over or clasped to the upper edge 29 to create the suspension effect. The altitude of the bottom of the key locator 10 and keys 34 will depend upon the length of the key locator 10 relative to the depth of the side panel 30 of the bag-like purse 32. However, regardless of the precise altitude of the keys 34 within the bag-like purse 32, they may be readily located due to the visible presence of the ornament 26.

In FIG. 1, first member 12 has a rod-like appearance. That is, first member 12 is slender so that it can be easily gripped and removed from a bag-like container such as a purse. There is no requirement that first member 12 have the cylindrical shape depicted in FIG. 1. Any slender shape form that enables the easy removal of key locator 10 from a bag-like purse is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, first member 12 can be a flattened wire or other flat elements. In another example, in some embodiments, first member 12 has a flat rod-like shape characterized by a cross-section having first and second orthogonal dimensions in which the first dimension defines the thickness of the first member 12 and is between 0.01 cm and 0.5 cm and the second dimension defines the width of the first member 12 and is between 0.1 cm and 2 cm. In another example, in some embodiments, first member 12 has a flat rod-like shape characterized by a cross-section having first and second orthogonal dimensions in which the first dimension defines the thickness of the first member 12 and is between 0.05 cm and 0.8 cm and the second dimension defines the width of the first member 12 and is between 0.2 cm and 3 cm.

In some embodiments, the bent interior region 22 is u-shaped. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is circular. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is ovoid. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape having one or more smooth curved surfaces or a splice of one or more smooth curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape having an arcuate edge. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by different cross-sectional bounding shapes at different portions of the first member 12.

Although the figures illustrate the first member in which end portions are parallel to each other and are straight, the present disclosure is not so restricted. The first and second end portions 12 a and 12 b of the first member 12 may bend toward or away from each other. Moreover, the first and second end portions of the first member 12 may internally include any number of bends. Moreover, the first and second end portions of the first member 12 may be magnetized and the bent-shaped region may contain a hinge.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 4A-4B are a front perspective view of a key locator 110 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure in which, rather than having an ornament 26, there is a container 40. As in the case of the key locator 10 discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the key locator 110 illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6 comprises interlocking first and second members 12 and 14. In some embodiments the first member 12 and the second members 14 are each independently made of steel, or other metal, a plastic, or other rigid elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 each independently comprise gold, silver, steel, nickel, aluminum, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 are each made of metal. In some embodiments, the first member 12 and/or the second member 14 comprises urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer, polybenzamidazole, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide, glass-based phenolic, polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polytetrafluoro-ethylene, polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized vinyl, or polypropylene. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the bent-rod shaped first member 12 is electroplated.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the second member 14 includes a clasp 16 that, in some embodiments, is rotatably engaged to an inverted u-shaped element 18. It will be appreciated that clasp 16 is an exemplary way to retain keys. For example, in some alternative embodiments, rather than a clasp 16, a key ring is used in the place of clasp 16. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure, the u-shaped element 18 is arranged to engage a hook 20 at a first end portion of the first member 12 in order to provide flexible engagement of the members 12 and 14. One of skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous other methods by which members 12 and 14 can be flexibly engaged. For example, there can be a ring (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4B) at the first end portion of the first member 12 that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. In another example, there can be a set of interlocking rings where a first ring in the set of interlocking rings engages hook 20 whereas a second ring in the set of interlocking rings engages u-shaped element 18. The first and second ring may interlock or there may be any number of interlocking rings between the first and second ring. In still another example, there can be a closed form element (not shown) that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. The closed form element may indeed be the shape of a ring or some other symmetrical shape such as an oval but the disclosure is not so limited. Any closed form shape, such as a polygon, star-shape, or the like can be used to interlock hook 20 to u-shaped element 18. In still another example, there can be a set of interlocking closed form elements where a first closed form element in the set of interlocking closed form elements engages hook 20 whereas a second closed form element in the set of interlocking closed form elements engages u-shaped element 18. The first and second closed form elements may interlock or there may be any number of interlocking closed form elements between the first and second closed form element. In some embodiments, a chain is used to interlock u-shaped element 18 to hook 20.

It will be appreciated that hook 20 is just one example of a way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14 in the embodiment of the key locator 110 illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6. For example, hook 20 can be completely closed off so that it is, in of itself, in fact a closed form shape such as a ring or oval. Similarly, it will be appreciated that u-shaped element 18 is just one example of a way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, rather than having a u-shaped element 18, a pivoting element can be used to flexibly engage members 12 and 14.

In one aspect, referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, is a first end portion 12 a of the first member 12 comprises a hook 20 for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or ring (not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18 is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20. In another such embodiment (not illustrated), the closed form clasp 16 or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. This closed form member could be, for example, a ring, an oval, a start shape, or any other closed form shape. In another such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is a ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20. In still another such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In yet another such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with first interlocking closed form elements in a plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where an interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some such embodiments, a closed form element in the plurality of closed form elements is a ring, an oval, a polygon, or a star-shape.

In another aspect, a first end portion 12 a of the first member 12 comprises a first ring (not shown) for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or second ring (not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18 is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a first interlocking closed form element in a plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where a second interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the first end portion 12 a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises a hook 20 for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member of the key locator further comprises a first ring 702 that is hooked onto the hook 20. The second member of the key locator 110 further comprises a member 704 having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is rotatable with respect to the second portion. The first portion comprises a first eyelet through which the first ring 702 is attached. The second portion comprises a second eyelet. The second member 14 of the key locator 110 further comprises a second ring 706 that is attached to the second eyelet.

Similar to FIG. 7, although not depicted, in some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises a first ring for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14 of the key locator 110 further comprises a second ring that is hooked onto the first ring. The second member 14 of the key locator 110 further comprises a member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is rotatable with respect to the second portion. The first portion comprises a first eyelet through which the second ring is attached. The second portion comprises a second eyelet. The second member 14 of the key locator 110 further comprises a third ring, where the third ring is attached to the second eyelet.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first member 12 has a first end portion 12 a and a second end portion 12 b. The first end portion 12 a of the first member 12 is configured for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 is configured for affixation of a container 40. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4 through 6, when affixed to the key locator 110, the entire container 40 is substantially rigidly affixed to the key locator 110 such that any movement of the container 40 necessarily causes movement of the key locator 110.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the container 40 is directly and permanently fixed to the second end portion 12 b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 so that a first face 42 of the container is exposed. The container 40 is arranged so that the first face 42 of the container 40 faces away from an interior of the bent rod-shaped first member 12. The interior of the bent rod-shaped first member is defined by the bent interior region between the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b.

In some embodiments, the container 40 comprises a hinge that attaches the first face 42 to the container 40. The first face 42 is configured to move between (i) an open configuration that exposes an interior portion of the container 40, as depicted in FIG. 6, and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the interior portion of the container 40, as depicted in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the container 40 comprises a swivel hinge 44 that attaches the first face 42 to the container 50. In such embodiments, the first face 42 is configured to slide between (i) an open configuration that exposes an interior portion of the container 40 and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the interior portion of the container 40. In some embodiments, the first face 42 is adorned with an ornament. In some embodiments, the ornament comprises an artificial or a real gem.

In some embodiments, the container 40 comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal and plastic. In some embodiments, the container comprises gold, silver, steel, nickel, aluminum, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the container 40 comprises urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer, polybenzamidazole, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide, glass-based phenolic, polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polytetrafluoro-ethylene, polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized vinyl, or polypropylene. In some embodiments, the container 40 is configured to store a liquid. In some embodiments, the container 40 is configured to store a gel, such as lip balm. In some embodiments, the container 40 is configured to store an object.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are not urged against each other and are configured to allow the bent interior region 22 to hang or clasp an edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from an edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 500 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 250 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 100 dynes and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when said bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member are configured so that a force of between 100 dynes and 500 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 100 dynes and 250 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.

In some embodiments, the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes, between 1 dyne and 1000 dynes, between 1 dyne and 500 dynes, between 1 dyne and 250 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 1000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 500 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 250 dynes, between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 100 dynes and 1000 dynes, between 100 dynes and 500 dynes, between 100 dynes and 250 dynes, between 500 dynes and 5000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 10000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 20000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 25000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 200 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 100 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 50 dynes, or between 0.1 dynes and 25 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.

Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, in one aspect, the key locator 110 further comprises the container 40, and the second end portion 12 b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises an enlarged portion and a second face 48 of the container is directly and permanently fixed to the enlarged portion. In some embodiments, the enlarged portion comprises a solid face to which a portion of the second face of the container is directly and permanently fixed. In some embodiments, the enlarged portion comprises a solid face to which a portion of the second face 48 is soldered.

In another aspect, the key locator 110 further comprises the container 40. A second face 48 of the container is directly and permanently fixed to the second end portion 12 b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12.

In another aspect, the key locator 110 further comprises the container 40, and a second face 48 of the container 40 is soldered to the second end portion 12 b of the bent rod-shaped first member 40.

In still another aspect, the key locator 110 further comprises the container 40 and the container 40 forms a part (e.g., an integral part) of the second end portion 12 b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of the key locator 110 of the invention in use. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the key locator 110 is hung from the upper edge 29 of a side panel of a bag-like purse with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the upper edge 29 so that the first face 42 of the container 40 is exposed. In other embodiments (not shown), the key locator 110 clasps the upper edge 29 of a bag-like purse with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the side panel 30 so that the first face 42 of the container 40 is exposed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of the key locator 110. Keys or other objects, secured by the clasp 16 of the second member 14, may lie near or at the bottom of a bag-like purse, somewhat suspended from the upper edge 29, in the same manner as that depicted in the key locator 10 illustrated in FIG. 3. The bent interior region 22 of the first member 12 of the key locator 110 is draped, hung over or clasped to the upper edge 29 to create the suspension effect. The altitude of the bottom of the key locator 110 and keys will depend upon the length of the key locator 110 relative to the depth of the side panel of the bag-like purse. However, regardless of the precise altitude of the keys or other objects within the bag-like purse, they may be readily located due to the visible presence of the container 40.

In FIGS. 4 through 6, first member 12 has a rod-like appearance. That is, first member 12 is slender so that it can be easily gripped and removed from a bag-like container such as a purse. There is no requirement that first member 12 have the cylindrical shape depicted in FIGS. 4 through 6. Any slender shape form that enables the easy removal of key locator 110 from a bag-like purse is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, first member 12 can be a flattened wire or other flat element. In another example, in some embodiments, the first member 12 has a flat rod-like shape characterized by a cross-section having first and second orthogonal dimensions in which the first dimension defines the thickness of the first member 12 and is between 0.01 cm and 0.5 cm and the second dimension defines the width of the first member 12 and is between 0.1 cm and 2 cm. In another example, in some embodiments, the first member 12 has a flat rod-like shape characterized by a cross-section having first and second orthogonal dimensions in which the first dimension defines the thickness of the first member 12 and is between 0.05 cm and 0.8 cm and the second dimension defines the width of the first member 12 and is between 0.2 cm and 3 cm.

In some embodiments, the bent interior region 22 is u-shaped. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is circular. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is ovoid. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape having one or more smooth curved surfaces or a splice of one or more smooth curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape having an arcuate edge. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is characterized by different cross-sectional bounding shapes at different portions of the first member 12.

Although the figures illustrate the first member 12 in which end portions are parallel to each other and are straight, the present disclosure is not so restricted. The first and second end portions 12 a and 12 b of the first member 12 of the key locator 110 may bend toward or away from each other. Moreover, the first and second end portions of the first member 12 may internally include any number of bends. Moreover, the first and second end portions of the first member 12 may be magnetized and the bent-shaped region may contain a hinge.

Third Embodiment

Another embodiment provides a key locator that is similar to the second embodiment. The key locator comprises, in combination: a) a bent rod-shaped first member having a first end portion and a second end portion, b) a second member configured for selectively retaining at least one key, and c) a container that is rotatably mounted to the second end portion of the bent rod-shaped first member. The first end portion and the second end portion are opposed to each other. The bent rod-shaped first member incorporates a bent interior region between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion and the second end portion are not urged against each other and are configured to allow said bent interior region to hang from or clasps an edge. The first end portion of the bent rod-shaped first member substantially permanently and flexibly engages with the second member. The container comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the container. The first face is configured to move between (i) an open configuration that exposes an interior portion of the container, and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the interior portion of the container.

In some embodiments, the first end portion of the bent rod-shaped first member comprises a hook for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member. The second member comprises a closed form clasp or ring that is configured for selectively retaining at least one key. The closed form clasp or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element of the second member. The u-shaped element is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp or ring is engaged with a closed form member and the closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp or ring is engaged with a closed form member and the closed form member is a ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with first interlocking ring in a plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where an interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, a closed form element in the plurality of closed form elements is a ring, an oval, a polygon, or a star-shape.

In still other embodiments, the first end portion of said bent rod-shaped first member comprises a first ring for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member and the second member comprises a closed form clasp or second ring that is configured for selectively retaining at least one key. In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element of the second member, where the u-shaped element is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, wherein the closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with first interlocking closed form element in a plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where a second interlocking closed form elements in the plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.

Fourth Embodiment

Another aspect provides a method comprising retaining at least one key by a second member 14 of an apparatus that comprises at least the second member 14 and a bent rod-shaped first member 12. The second member is configured for selectively retaining at least one key. The bent rod-shaped first member 12 of the apparatus has a first end portion 12 a and a second end portion 12 b. The first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b are opposed to each other. The bent rod-shaped first member 12 incorporates a bent interior region 22 between the first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b. The first end portion 12 a and the second end portion 12 b are not urged against each other and are configured to allow the bent interior region 22 to hang from or clasps an upper edge of a side panel of a bag-like purse. The first end portion 12 a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 substantially permanently and flexibly engages with some portion of the second member 14. The second end portion 12 b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is affixed to a container 40. The method further comprises hanging the apparatus from the upper edge 29 of the side panel of a bag-like purse with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the side panel so that the second end portion 12 b and the container 40 are exposed. The method further comprises retrieving the bent rod-shaped first member of the apparatus from the upper edge such that, when the bent rod-shaped first member is retrieved from the upper edge, the at least one key retrained by the second member is necessarily retrieved. In some embodiments, the container comprises a hinge that attaches the first face to the container. The first face is configured to move between (i) an open configuration that exposes an interior portion of the container, and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the interior portion of the container and the method further comprises operating the first face so that the face switches between the closed configuration to the open configuration.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention provides a key locator especially suitable for use with a purse, backpack, briefcase or other bag-like device. By employing the key locator of the invention in conjunction with such a device, one may find keys stored within without delay. Further, by providing a decorative ornament for indicating the location of the key locator, the appearance of the bag is enhanced.

Fifth Embodiment

Turning now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there is shown an apparatus 800 of the invention in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus 800 of the invention can be used for protecting and readily locating a handheld electronic device 902 in a purse, a bag or other purse-like or bag-like device. The handheld electronic device 902 includes cell phones and/or smart phones, such as those sold under the trade names Blackberry™ and iPhone™, media players such as those sold under the trade name iPod™, personal video game devices and any other handheld electronic devices 902.

In general, the apparatus 800 comprises a locator and a case assembly which includes a case and a connector. The locator is suitable for use with a purse, backpack, briefcase or other bag-like device, and in some embodiments, includes the key locator or key finder 10, 110 disclosed herein. Alternatively, the locator can be hooks, hangers, grasps, straps or other suitable means. The case is configured to house one or more handheld electronic devices 902. The connector is configured to be selectively engaged by the locator. In some embodiments, the connector is built-in with the case and in other embodiments, the connector is attached to or mounted on the case. Examples of such a connector include a hole, a ring, a clasp, a hook, a strap or the like, or any combination thereof.

As an example, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the case assembly 810 includes a connector 816 which is engaged to a key locator 10. The case assembly 810 is operated between a closed state and an open state as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively. In addition to the connector 816, the case assembly 810 comprises a case 812 and a mounting device 814.

In typical embodiments, the case 812 comprises a first side 818 and a second side 820. The first side 818 and the second side 820 are rotatably coupled to each other so that the case 812 can be operated between the open state and the closed state. In some embodiments, the case 812 further comprises a hinge portion 822 that adjoins and rotatably couples the first side 818 and the second side 820. When in the closed state, the first side 818 and the second side 820 face to each other as illustrated in FIG. 8A. When in the open state, the first side 818 and the second side 820 are rotated away from each other as illustrated in FIG. 8B. It will be appreciated that FIG. 8B illustrates just one example. The openness of the case 812, e.g., the maximum angle between the first side 818 and the second side 820 when the case 812 is in the open state, can vary and range anywhere from 5 degrees to 360 degrees.

The mounting device 814 is fixed on the case 812, either on the first or second side of the case 812. By way of illustration, FIGS. 8A and 8B show the mounting device 814 fixed on the second side 820 of the case 812. The mounting device 814 is configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining a handheld electronic device 902. In some embodiments, the mounting device 814 comprises a mounting plate 824, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining a handheld electronic device 902. The mounting plate 824 is configured to be slidably operable between two different positions with respect to the second side 820. Specifically, in some embodiments, the mounting plate 824 is slidably operable between a first longitudinal position as illustrated in FIG. 9A and a different second longitudinal position as illustrated in FIG. 9B. That is, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second side 820 of the case 812 is substantially rectangular and the sliding movement of the mounting plate 824 is along a length direction of the second side 820 of the case 812. It will be appreciated that the movement of the mounting plate 824 with respect to the second side 820 can be in other directions, depending on the shape of the case, the desired use of the case or other parameters.

When the case 812 is in the closed state and the mounting plate 824 is in the first longitudinal position, the first side 818 and the second side 820 completely enclose the handheld electronic device 902, thus protect the handheld electronic device 902. By “completely” enclosing a handheld electronic device 902, it is meant that the first side 818 completely covers the entirety of one surface (e.g., the front surface 904 in FIG. 9A) of the handheld electronic device 902 and the second side 820 completely covers the entirety of another surface (e.g., the back surface 906 in FIG. 9A) of the handheld electronic device 902. That is, when the case 812 in the closed state and the mounting plate 824 in the first longitudinal position is viewed from the front or back as illustrated in FIGS. 9C and 9D respectively, the handheld electronic device 902 attained in the case 812 would not be visible from the outside. However, it will be appreciated that “completely” enclosing a handheld electronic device 902 does not necessarily mean enclosing each and every side of the handheld electronic device 902. In some embodiments, the peripheral sides (e.g., the top side 908, the bottom side 910, or the right side 912 in FIG. 9A) of the handheld electronic device 902 may not be covered by the case 812. For example, FIG. 9E illustrates a right side elevated perspective view of the case 812, where the top side 908 and the right side 912 of the handheld electronic device 902 are visible. In some embodiments, the first side 818 or the second side 820 or both may include a side edge to cover the peripheral sides of the handheld electronic device 902.

When the mounting plate 824 is in the second longitudinal position, less than the entirety of the handheld electronic device 902 is enclosed by the case 812. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the top portion of the handheld electronic device 902 is protruded outside of the case 812. In some embodiments, less than five percent, less than ten percent, less than twenty percent, less than thirty percent, less than forty percent, less than fifty percent, less than sixty percent, less than seventy percent, or less than eighty percent of the handheld electronic device 902 is protruded outside of the case 812. In such positions, at least one function of the handheld electronic device 902 can be performed without optical interference by the case 812. For example, one can use the camera of a handheld electronic device 902 to take a picture without optical interference by the case 812.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 8A-8B, the connector 816 is disposed on the case 812 and accessible by a locator such as the key locator or the key finder 10, 110. As the locator or the key finder 10, 110 is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a bag-like purse or a bag-like device, one may easily locate the case assembly 810 and a handheld electronic device 902 stored therein without delay. In some embodiments, the connector 816 is a through hole formed on the case 812, and specifically formed on the hinge portion 822 of the case 812. The through hole can be substantially circular, oblong, or the like. In some embodiments, a grommet 824 is used to enhance the strength or endurance of the connector 816. The grommet 824 surrounds the through hole, and is typically made of steel, brass, plastic or other suitable materials. Other connector configurations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the connector 816 is attached to the case 812 or the hinge portion 822 of the case 812. Such a connector 816 includes a ring, a clasp, a hook, any combination of a ring, a clasp and a hook, or the like.

In some embodiments, the first side 818, the second side 820 and the hinge portion 822 are integrally or monolithically made. In some embodiments, one or each of the first side 818, the second side 820 and the hinge portion 822 comprises a plurality of layers. For example, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate cross-sectional views of the case 812 taken along line I-I and line II-II of FIG. 8B, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 818 comprises a first outer layer 1002 and a first inner layer 1004. The second side 820 comprises a second outer layer 1006 and a second inner layer 1008. The hinge portion 822 comprises a hinge outer layer 1010 and a hinge inner layer 1012. In some embodiments, the first outer layer 1002, the second outer layer 1006 and the hinge outer layer 1010 are integrally or monolithically made, and collectively define an outer layer 1014 of the case 812. Similarly, the first inner layer 1004, the second inner layer 1008 and the hinge inner layer 1012 are integrally or monolithically made, and collectively define an inner layer 1016 of the case 812. The outer and inner layers of the case 812 are fixed to each other. In an aspect, the outer and inner layers of the case 812 are bound to each other such as by press or adhesives such as glue along the edges.

In some embodiments, the first side 818 further comprises a first insert 1018 disposed between the first outer layer 1002 and the first inner layer 1004 to enhance the strength or the stiffness of the first side. In one aspect, the first insert 1018 is fixedly attached such as by glue to the inner side of the first outer layer 1002. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second side 820 further comprises a second insert 1020 disposed between the second outer layer 1006 and the second inner layer 1008 of the second side 820 to enhance the strength or the stiffness of the second side 820. In one aspect, the second insert 1020 is fixedly attached such as by glue to the inner side of the second outer layer 1006.

In some embodiments, the first side 818, the second side 820 or the hinge portion 822 is made of leather, fabric, plastic or the like, including cotton, denim, Kevlar, non-woven textiles, woven textiles, woven metals, silicone, polyester and blends, and polymers. In some embodiments, the outer layer 1014 of the case 812 is made of a material that is the same as the inner layer 1016 of the case 812. In some embodiments, the outer layer 1014 of the case 812 is made of a material that is different than the inner layer 1016 of the case 812.

In some embodiments, the overall spring constant of the first side 818 or the second side 820 is between 0.14 kilogram-force/inch and 0.90 kilogram-force/inch, or between 0.40 kilogram-force/inch and 0.70 kilogram-force/inch or between 0.55 kilogram-force/inch and 0.65 kilogram-force/inch. The overall spring constant of the first side 818 or the second side 820 is taken in a longitudinal direction of the first side 818 or the second side 820, respectively. In some embodiments, the hinge portion 822 is relatively less stiff than the first side 818 or the second side 820.

In an aspect, one or both of the inner and outer layers are colored in green, yellow, pink, brown, black, red, or any color that a customer desires. In one embodiment, the color of the inner layer is substantially the same as the color of the outer layer. In another embodiment, the color of the inner layer is different than the color of the outer layer. For example, the inner layer is black and the outer layer is pink.

In another aspect, a portion or the entirety of the outer layer 1014 of the case 812 comprises a surface texture or a surface finish 844 to enhance the appearance of the case 812 or to facilitate the grip of the case 812. The surface texture or surface finish 844 may be etched, pressed, printed or applied to the outer layer 1014 of the case 812 or a specific area of the outer layer 1014 of the case 812.

Still referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in some embodiments, the first side 818 has a shape substantially the same as that of the second side 820. As an example, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate that both of the first side 818 and the second side 820 are substantially rectangular. It will be appreciated that FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate just one example, and the shape of the case can be readily adjusted or customized without deviation from the spirit or scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the first side 818 and the second side 820 have a length that is between about 4 inches and about 8 inches and a width that is between about 2 inches and about 5 inches. The hinge portion 822 has a length that is substantially the same as that of the first side 818 and the second side 820 and a width that is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the first side 818 and the second side 820 have a length that is between about 5 inches and about 6.5 inches and a width that is between about 2.5 inches and about 3.5 inches. The hinge portion 822 has a length that is substantially the same as that of the first side 818 and the second side 820 and a width that is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the first side 818 or the second side 820 or both have one or more rounded corners 830.

In some embodiments, the case assembly 810 further comprises a decoration 832 disposed on the case 812. As an example, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the decoration 832 disposed on the first side 818 of the case 812 and includes a plurality of holes formed on the first side 818 in a predetermined pattern. In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of holes are substantially circular and extend through the first side 818 in a thickness direction of the first side 818. It will be appreciated that the plurality of the holes can take various shapes such as substantially circular, oblong, polygonal, elongated or other suitable shapes. It will also be appreciated that the number, the size, the pattern, and the location of the holes can be readily varied. In an aspect, all of the holes have the same shape. In another aspect, at least one hole has a different shape than another hole. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the decoration 832 is embedded, pressed, printed, engraved or embroiled on the first outer layer 1002 of the first side 818. In still another aspect, the decoration 832 is raised above the first outer layer 1002 of the first side 818. In some embodiments, the decoration 832 is made separately and then applied to the first outer layer 1002 of the first side 818.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate the apparatus 800 of the invention in greater detail. In FIG. 11A, the case assembly 810 is in an open state and attached to a locator 10, where the mounting plate 824 is taken out to show other components of the mounting device 814. FIG. 11B illustrates the mounting plate 824. FIG. 11C, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 8B, illustrates the coupling of the mounting device 814 on the case 812 and the coupling among components of the mounting device 814. As shown, in some embodiments, the second inner layer 1008 of the second side 820, and in some cases, the second insert 1020 if it is included, comprises a cut 1102 so that the mounting device 814 is directly fixed on an inner side of the second outer layer 1006 of the second side 820.

In some embodiments, in addition to the mounting plate 824, the mounting device 814 further comprises a base plate 1104 and a frame 1106. The base plate 1104 has a back 1108 fixed on the second side 820 of the case 812 and a front 1110 formed with a dented central portion 1112 and a peripheral shoulder 1114. In an aspect, the peripheral shoulder 1114 surrounds the dented central portion 1112, as illustrated in FIG. 11A. The frame 1106 is fixedly coupled to the peripheral shoulder 1114 of the base plate 1104 for supporting the mounting plate 824 and for guiding the sliding movement of the mounting plate 824 between different positions such as the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position. In an aspect, the frame 1106 is snap-fitted, bound, or glued to the peripheral shoulder 1114 of the base plate 1104.

When the frame 1106 is fixedly coupled to the peripheral shoulder 1114 of the base plate 1104, a gap 1116 is formed between the dented central portion 1112 of the base plate 1104 and the frame 1106. In some embodiments, one or more edges of the mounting plate 824 are formed with a step 1118, and the step 1118 is slidably received in the gap 1116 between the dented central portion 1112 of the base plate 1104 and the frame 1106. In the illustrated embodiment, the step 1118 is formed on the edge or edges corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the second side 820 so that the mounting plate 824 is slidable between the first longitudinal position and the different second longitudinal position. It will be appreciated that the step 1118 can be formed on other edges and in other directions.

In typical embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of a urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a fluoropolymer, silicone, poly-dimethyl siloxane (PDMS), silicone gel, epoxy, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), perfluoroalkoxy fluorocarbon (PFA), nylon/polyamide, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyolefin, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephtalate glycol (PETG), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), thermoplastic copolymer (for example, ETFE®, which is a derived from the polymerization of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene: TEFLON® monomers), polyurethane/urethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), TYGON®, vinyl, VITON®, or any combination or variation thereof.

In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of a material such as polybenzamidazole (e.g., CELAZOLE®, available from Boedeker Plastics, Inc., Shiner, Tex.). In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of polymide (e.g., DuPont™ VESPEL®, or DUPONT® KAPTON®, Wilmington, Del.). In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), each of which is available from Boedeker Plastics, Inc. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of polyamide-imide (e.g., TORLON® PAI, Solvay Advanced Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga.).

In still other embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of polyethylene. In some embodiments, the substrate 403 is made of low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE). Chemical properties of HDPE are described in Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, ninth edition, 1987, McGraw-Hill, Inc., p. 6-173. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polytetrfluoro-ethylene (Teflon), polymethacrylate (lucite or plexiglass), nylon 6,6, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized vinyl, or polypropylene. Chemical properties of these materials are described in Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, ninth edition, 1987, McGraw-Hill, Inc., pp. 6-172 through 6-175.

Additional exemplary materials that can be used to form the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 are found in Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, McGraw-Hill; Reinhold Plastics Applications Series, Reinhold Roff, Fibres, Plastics and Rubbers, Butterworth; Lee and Neville, Epoxy Resins, McGraw-Hill; Bilmetyer, Textbook of Polymer Science, Interscience; Schmidt and Marlies, Principles of high polymer theory and practice, McGraw-Hill; Beadle (ed.), Plastics, Morgan-Grampiand, Ltd., 2 vols. 1970; Tobolsky and Mark (eds.), Polymer Science and Materials, Wiley, 1971; Glanville, The Plastics's Engineer's Data Book, Industrial Press, 1971; Mohr (editor and senior author), Oleesky, Shook, and Meyers, SPI Handbook of Technology and Engineering of Reinforced Plastics Composites, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1973, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base and the frame 1106 are made of the same material. In some embodiments, one or each of the mounting plate 824, the base and the frame 1106 is made of a different same material.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 11A-11C, in some embodiments, the mounting device 814 further comprises a first fastener 1120, a second fastener 1122 and an elastic member 1124 to hold the mounting plate 824 and/or facilitate positioning of the mounting plate 824 between the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position. The first fastener 1120 is fixed or screwed on the dented central portion 1112 of the base plate 1104 and the second fastener 1122 is fixed or screwed on a back of the mounting plate 824. The first fastener 1120 and the second fastener 1122 are connected by the elastic member 1124. In an aspect, the elastic member 1124 is a wire spring.

In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824 comprises a first hole 1126, a first groove 1128 and a recess 1130. The first hole 1126 is configured to receive the first fastener 1120 when the mounting plate 824 is in the first position (e.g., the first longitudinal position) and it may be a through hole. The first groove 1128 extends in a direction substantially the same as the direction of the sliding movement of the mounting plate 824. In the illustrated embodiment, the first groove 1128 extends in the longitudinal direction of the second side 820 so that the first fastener 1120 slides along the first groove 1128 when the mounting plate 824 slides between the first position (e.g., the first longitudinal position) and the second position (e.g., the second longitudinal position). The recess 1130 is formed on the back of the mounting plate 824 and is configured to accommodate the elastic member 1124. Configuration of the recess 1130 such as the shape and the size is readily as long as it can house the elastic member 1124.

In some embodiments, the base plate 1104 comprises a second hole 1132 and a second groove 1134. The second hole 1132 is formed on the dented central portion 1112 of the base plate 1104 and is configured to receive the second fastener 1122 when the mounting plate 824 is in the first position (e.g., the first longitudinal position). The second groove 1134 is formed on the dented central portion 1112 of the base plate 1104. Like the first groove 1128, the second groove 1134 extends in a direction substantially the same as the direction of the sliding movement of the mounting plate 824. In the illustrated embodiment, the second groove 1134 extends in the longitudinal direction of the second side 820 so that the second fastener 1122 slides along the second groove 1134 when the mounting plate 824 slides between the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position.

In some embodiments, the base plate 1104 is substantially rectangular and has a length between about 2.5 inches and about 7 inches or between about 3 inches and about 5 inches, a width between about 1 inch and about 4 inches or between about 1.5 inches and about 3 inches, and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1 inches or between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches. In some embodiments, the peripheral shoulder 1114 has a width between 0.1 inches to 0.5 inches or between 0.15 inches to 0.35 inches, and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1 inches or between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824 is substantially rectangular, and has a length between about 1 inch and about 4 inches or between about 1.5 inches and about 2.5 inches, a width between about 1 inch and about 3 inches or between about 1.25 inches and about 2 inches, and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1 inches or between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches.

In some embodiments, the mounting device 814 includes a fixing means for permanently or semi-permanently retaining the handheld electronic device 902. In one aspect, the fixing means includes an adhesive 1136 disposed on a front surface 904 of the mounting plate 824. In another aspect, the fixing means further includes a backing 1138 which covers the adhesive 1136 and is to be removed prior to fixing the handheld electronic device 902 on the mounting plate 824. Other fixing means are possible, including snap-fit, press-fit, or bolting.

Turning back to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in some embodiments, the case assembly 810 further comprises a flap 834 to selectively hold or maintain the case 812 in the closed state. The flap 834 has a first portion 836 that is fixed on either the first side 818 or the second side 820 of the case 812 and a second portion 838 that is configured to bend over to the other side when the case 812 is in the closed state. By way of illustration, the flap 834 in FIGS. 8A and 8B has the first portion 836 fixed on the second side 820 of the case 812 and the second portion 838 configured to bend over to the first side 818 when the case 812 is in the closed state. The first portion 836 is fixed on the second side 820 by press, bounding, gluing, sewing or other suitable means. The second portion 838 of the flap 834 includes a second coupler corresponding to a first coupler disposed on the other side (e.g., the first side 818 in FIGS. 8A and 8B). The first and second couplers operably couples or fastens the flap 834 to the other side (e.g., in FIGS. 8A and 8B), and thus selectively holds or maintains the case 812 in the closed state.

In some embodiments, the first coupler 1022 is embedded or inserted in the first side 818 of the case 812. Configuration of such a first side 818 with the first coupler is similar to that illustrated in 10A. In fact, in some embodiments, the first insert 1018 of the first side 818 is made of an iron or a magnet material and thus functions as the first coupler 1022. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second coupler 1024 is embedded or inserted in the second portion 838 of the flap 834. Referring to FIG. 10C, like the first side 818 of the case 812, the second portion 838 of the flap 834 has an outer layer 1026 and an inner layer 1028 with the second coupler 1024 disposed in between. In such embodiments, the first coupler includes an iron material and the second coupler includes a magnetic material, or vice versa. Other coupler configurations are possible, for example, using a strip of hook material as one coupler and a strip of loop material as the other coupler or alternatively using a lock post as one coupler and a through hole as the other coupler.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12C, in some embodiments, the first inner layer 1004 and the first outer layer 1002 of the first side 818 form a pocket or a pouch 1202. The first inner layer 1004 of the first side 818 includes one or more cuts 1204, which allow a card or cards such as credit cards, business cards or ID cards to pass through and to be received in the pocket 1202. In the embodiments where the first side 818 further comprises the first insert 1018, the pocket 1202 is formed between the first inner layer 1004 and the first insert 1018 of the first side 818. As an example, FIG. 12 A illustrates two cuts 1204. It will be appreciated that the number of cuts and configuration of a cut can be readily adjusted.

Sixth Embodiment

Other aspects provide a method of using an apparatus that comprises a case assembly 810 and a locator to protect and ready location of a handheld electronic device 902. The method comprises (i) retaining the case assembly 810 by the locator 10, 110 and (ii) hanging the locator 10, 110 from an edge of a purse, a bag, a purse-like or a bag-like device so that the case assembly 810 is received in the purse, the bag, the purse-like or the bag-like device. In typical embodiments, the case assembly 810 comprises a case 812, a mounting device 814 and a connector 816. The case 812 includes a first side 818 and a second side 820 that are rotatably coupled to each other to operate the case 812 between an open state and a closed state. The mounting device 814 is fixed on the case 812 and includes a mounting plate 824 that is slidably operated between a first longitudinal position and a different second longitudinal position with respect to the second side 820. The mounting plate 824 is configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining a handheld electronic device 902. In some embodiments, the locator 10, 110 includes a bent interior region 22 and a clasp 16. The bent interior region is configured for removably hanging or clasping on an upper edge of a purse, a bag, a purse-like or a bag-like device. The clasp 16 is configured to selectively engage the connector 816 of the case assembly 810 and thus retain the case assembly 810.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises (iii) mounting the handheld electronic device 902 on the mounting plate 824 of the mounting device 814, and (iv) closing the case assembly 810 by rotating either the first side 818 or the second side 820 of the case 812. The mounting of the handheld electronic device 902 can be conducted either before or after hanging the locator on the upper edge of the purse, the bag, the purse-like or the bag-like device.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 13, other objects can be retained by the locator 10, 110 in conjunction with the case assembly 810. Such objects includes a key 1302, a card 1304, a toy, a decoration or the like, or any combination thereof.

It can be seen that the present invention provides an apparatus that includes a case assembly capable of completely enclosing a handheld electronic device. As such, a handheld electronic device is well protected from scratch or other damages even when the case assembly with the handheld electronic device stored within is placed in a purse, a bag or the like. In the meantime, the case assembly is to be engaged with a locator that is suitable for use with a purse, backpack, briefcase or other bag-like device. Accordingly, one may find the handheld electronic device along with the case assembly easily and without delay. In addition, the case assembly of the present invention includes a mounting device 814 that allows a portion of the handheld electronic device move outside of the case assembly if desired. Thus, functions of a handheld electronic device can be performed without interference (e.g., optical interference) by the case assembly.

Additional Embodiments

A first embodiment comprises an apparatus for protecting and readily locating a handheld electronic device, the apparatus comprising (i) a case assembly for housing said handheld electronic device, said case assembly including a connector; and (ii) a locator configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse-like or bag-like device and including a means for selectively engaging said connector, thereby retaining said case assembly.

A second embodiment comprises the first embodiment wherein said case assembly further comprises: (iii) a case comprising a first side and a second side rotatably coupled to said first side for operating said case between an open state and a closed state; and (iv) a mounting device fixed on side second side of said case, said mounting device comprising a mounting plate slidably operated between a first longitudinal position and a different second longitudinal position with respect to said second side, said mounting plate configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld electronic device.

A third embodiment comprises the first embodiment wherein said means for selectively engaging said connector comprises a clasp, a hook, or a grasp.

A fourth embodiment comprises the first embodiment in which said locator comprises a bent interior region configured for removably hanging said locator on said edge.

A fifth embodiment comprises the first embodiment in which the means engages one or more objects in addition to said case assembly.

A sixth embodiment is a method comprising: (i) retaining a case assembly by a locator, wherein (a) said case assembly comprises a connector, and (b) said locator is configured for removably hanging on an upper edge of a side panel of a bag-like purse, and includes a means for selectively engaging said connector of said case assembly, thereby retaining said case assembly; and (ii) hanging said locator from said upper edge of said side panel of said bag-like purse so that said case assembly is received in said purse.

A seventh embodiment is the method of sixth embodiment, in which the case assembly further comprises: a case including a first side and a second side rotatably coupled to said first side to operate said case between an open state and a closed state; and a mounting device fixed on said case and including a mounting plate slidably operated between a first longitudinal position and a different second longitudinal position with respect to said second side, said mounting plate configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining a handheld electronic device.

An eighth embodiment is the method of sixth embodiment in which the locator includes a bent interior region configured for removably hanging said locator on said upper edge of said side panel, and the means for selectively engaging said connector of said case assembly includes a clasp, a hook or a grasp.

A ninth embodiment is the method of sixth embodiment in which, the method further comprising: (iii) mounting the handheld electronic device on said mounting plate of said mounting device; and (iv) closing said case assembly by rotating either said first side or said second side; where the mounting of said handheld electronic device is conducted prior to or subsequent to the hanging of said locator.

REFERENCES CITED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

What is claimed:
 1. A case assembly for a handheld electronic device comprising, in combination: (i) a case comprising (a) a first side, (b) a second side and (c) a hinge portion adjoining said first side and said second side thereby rotatably coupling said first side and said second side to operate said case between an open state and a closed state; (ii) a mounting device fixed on said second side of said case and configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld electronic device; and (iii) a connector disposed on said case and accessible by a locator for attaching said case to said locator.
 2. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein: said mounting device comprises a mounting plate slidably operated between a first longitudinal position and a different second longitudinal position with respect to said second side, said mounting plate configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld electronic device; wherein when said case is in the closed state and said mounting plate is in said first longitudinal position, said first side and said second side completely enclose said handheld electronic device thereinbetween, thereby providing protection to said handheld electronic device, and when said mounting plate is in said second longitudinal position, less than the entirety of said handheld electronic device is enclosed by said case, thereby allowing use of at least one function of said handheld electronic device without optical interference by said case.
 3. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side, said second side and said hinge portion are monolithically made.
 4. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side comprises a first outer layer and a first inner layer; said second side comprises a second outer layer and a second inner layer; said hinge portion comprises a hinge outer layer and a hinge inner layer; said first outer layer, said second outer layer and said hinge outer layer are monolithically made, and collectively define an outer layer of said case; said first inner layer, said second inner layer and said hinge inner layer are monolithically made, and collectively define an inner layer of said case; and said outer and inner layers of said case are fixed to each other.
 5. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer and inner layers of said case are bound to each other along edges by press or adhesives.
 6. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of said outer layer of said case comprises a surface texture for enhancing appearance of said case.
 7. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer or said inner layer of said case is made of leather, fabric or plastic.
 8. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer or said inner layer of said case is made of cotton, denim, Kevlar, non-woven textiles, woven textiles, woven metals, silicone, polyester and blends, or polymers.
 9. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer and said inner layer of said case are made of a same material.
 10. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer and said inner layer of said case are made of different materials.
 11. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer of said case has a color the same as or different than said inner layer of said case.
 12. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein: said first inner layer and said first outer layer of said first side form a pocket; and said first inner layer of said first side includes at least one cut to allow one or more cards to pass through and be received in said pocket.
 13. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said first side further comprises a first insert fixedly disposed between said first outer layer and said first inner layer for enhancing stiffness of said first side.
 14. The case assembly of claim 13, wherein: said first inner layer and said first insert of said first side form a pocket; and said first inner layer of said first side includes at least one cut to allow one or more cards to pass through and be received in said pocket.
 15. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said second side further comprises a second insert fixedly disposed between said second outer layer and said second inner layer for enhancing stiffness of said second side.
 16. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said second inner layer of said second side comprises a cut so that said mounting device is directly fixed on an inner side of said second outer layer of said second side.
 17. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side has a shape substantially the same as that of said second side.
 18. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side and said second side are substantially rectangular, and have a length between about 4 inches and about 8 inches and a width between about 2 inches and about 5 inches; and said hinge portion has a length that is substantially the same as that of said first side and said second side and a width between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches.
 19. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side and said second side are substantially rectangular, and have a length between about 5 inches and about 6.5 inches and a width between about 2.5 inches and about 3.5 inches; and said hinge portion has a length that is substantially the same as that of said first side and said second side and a width between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches.
 20. The case assembly of claim 18, wherein said first side or said second side or both has at least one rounded corner.
 21. The case assembly of claim 1, further comprising a decoration disposed on said first side.
 22. The case assembly of claim 21, wherein said decoration includes a plurality of holes formed on said first side in a predetermined pattern.
 23. The case assembly of claim 22, wherein one or each of the plurality of said holes is a through hole, extending through said first side in a thickness direction of said first side.
 24. The case assembly of claim 22, wherein one or each of the plurality of said holes is substantially circular, oblong, polygonal, or elongated.
 25. The case assembly of claim 4, further comprising a decoration disposed on said first outer layer of said first side.
 26. The case assembly of claim 25, wherein said decoration is embedded, pressed, printed, engraved or embroiled on said first outer layer of said first side, raised above said first outer layer of said first side, or attached to said first outer layer of said first side.
 27. The case assembly of claim 2, wherein said mounting device further comprising: a base plate having a back fixed on said second side of said case and a front with a dented central portion and a peripheral shoulder; and a frame fixedly coupled to said peripheral shoulder of said base plate for supporting said mounting plate and guiding sliding movement of said mounting plate between the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position.
 28. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said frame is snap-fitted, press-fitted, bound, or glued to said peripheral shoulder of said base plate.
 29. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein one or more edges of said mounting plate in a longitudinal direction of said second side are formed with a step; and said step is slidably received in a gap formed by said dented central portion of said base plate and said frame.
 30. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said mounting device further comprises: a first fastener fixed on said dented central portion of said base plate; a second fastener fixed on a back of said mounting plate; and an elastic member connecting said first fastener and said second fastener; wherein said first fastener, said second fastener and said elastic member facilitate positioning of said mounting plate between the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position.
 31. The case assembly of claim 30, wherein said mounting plate comprises (a) a first hole for receiving said first fastener when said mounting plate is in the first longitudinal position, (b) a first groove extended in the longitudinal direction of said second side so that said first fastener slides along said first groove when said mounting plate slides between the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position, and (c) a recess for accommodating said elastic member; and said base plate comprises (d) a second hole formed on said dented central portion for receiving said second fastener when said mounting plate is in the first longitudinal position, and (e) a second groove formed on said dented central portion and extended in the longitudinal direction of said second side so that said second fastener slides along said second groove when said mounting plate slides between the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position.
 32. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said base plate is substantially rectangular, and has a length between about 2.5 inches and about 7 inches, a width between about 1 inches and about 4 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1 inches; said peripheral shoulder has a width between 0.1 inches to 0.5 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1 inches; and said mounting plate is substantially rectangular, and has a length between about 1 inches and about 4 inches, a width between about 1 inches and about 3 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1 inches.
 33. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said base plate is substantially rectangular, and has a length between about 3 inches and about 5 inches, a width between about 1.5 inches and about 3 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches; said peripheral shoulder has a width between 0.15 inches to 0.35 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches; and said mounting plate is substantially rectangular, and has a length between about 1.5 inches and about 2.5 inches, a width between about 1.25 inches and about 2 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches.
 34. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said mounting plate, said base or said frame is made of a metallic material or a plastic material.
 35. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said mounting plate, said base and said frame are made of a same material.
 36. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein one or each of said mounting plate, said base and said frame is made of a different material.
 37. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said mounting device includes a fixing means for permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld electronic device.
 38. The case assembly of claim 37, wherein said fixing means includes a mounting plate and an adhesive disposed on a front surface of said mounting plate.
 39. The case assembly of claim 38, wherein said fixing means further includes a backing which is to be removed prior to fixing said handheld electronic device on said mounting plate.
 40. The case assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first coupler disposed on one of said first side and said second side; and a flap having a first portion fixed on the other of said first side and said second side and a second portion configured to bend over to the one of said first side and said second side when said case is in the closed state; wherein said second portion of said flap includes a second coupler corresponding to said first coupler for operably coupling said flap to the one of said first side and said second side, thereby selectively maintaining said case in the closed state.
 41. The case assembly of claim 40, wherein one of said first coupler and said second coupler includes an iron material and the other of said first coupler and said second coupler includes a magnetic material.
 42. The case assembly of claim 40, wherein one of said first coupler and said second coupler includes a strip of hook material and the other of said first coupler and said second coupler includes a strip of loop material.
 43. The case assembly of claim 40, wherein said first coupler includes a lock post and said second coupler includes a through hole.
 44. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said connector includes a through hole formed on said case or on said hinge portion of said case.
 45. The case assembly of claim 44, wherein said hole is substantially circular or oblong.
 46. The case assembly of claim 44, wherein said connector further includes a grommet surrounding said through hole to enhance strength or endurance of said connector.
 47. The case assembly of claim 46, wherein said grommet is made of steel, brass, or plastic.
 48. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said connector is attached to said case or said hinge portion of said case.
 49. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said connector is a ring, a clasp, a hook, or combination thereof.
 50. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said locator is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse-like or bag-like device, thereby facilitating ready location of said case assembly.
 51. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said locator is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse-like or bag-like device and includes a clasp, a hook or a grasp for selectively engaging said connector of said case.
 52. The case assembly of claim 2, wherein said at least one function includes use of a camera of said handheld electronic device.
 53. A case assembly for a handheld electronic device comprising, in combination: (i) a case comprising (a) a first side and (b) a second side rotatably coupled to said first side for operating said case between an open state and a closed state; (ii) a mounting device fixed on side second side of said case and configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld electronic device; and (iii) a connector disposed on said case and accessible by a locator for attaching said case to said locator.
 54. The case assembly of claim 53, wherein: said mounting device comprises a mounting plate slidably operated between a first longitudinal position and a different second longitudinal position with respect to said second side, said mounting plate configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld electronic device; when said case is in the closed state and said mounting plate is in said first longitudinal position, said first side and said second side completely enclose said handheld electronic device thereinbetween, thereby providing protection to said handheld electronic device; when said mounting plate is in said second longitudinal position, less than the entirety of said handheld electronic device is enclosed by said case, thereby allowing use of at least one function of said handheld electronic device without optical interference by said case; and said locator is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse-like or bag-like device, thereby facilitating ready location of said case assembly.
 55. The case assembly of claim 53, wherein the case further comprising: a hinge portion adjoining said first side and said second side thereby rotatably coupling said first side and said second side to operate said case between the open state and the closed state. 